1 6

SKU: 220726-210

Eskimo Ivory Billiken Man

$425.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Early/Mid 20th Century

3.375" H x 2" W

Hand Carved from Ivory of a Billiken Man with a Big Smile and a Pointed Head

In Very Good Condition

The Eskimo Ivory Billiken Man is a traditional Alaskan Native (often Inuit or Iñupiaq/Yup'ik) hand-carved figure known as a Billiken. This is a popular good-luck charm originating from early 20th-century Alaska, typically crafted from walrus ivory (or sometimes mammoth ivory), featuring a distinctive grinning, potbellied, elf-like humanoid form with pointed ears, a mischievous smile, and often a pointed head or tuft of hair.The Billiken character was invented in 1908 by Florence Pretz, a Kansas City art teacher, as a whimsical good-luck symbol representing "things as they ought to be." It became a national fad in the U.S. around 1909, inspiring songs, mascots (like for St. Louis University), and merchandise.

Condition: Very Good

Tribe: Eskimo - Inuit - Yup'ik

Year Range: 1925 - 1950

Region: Pacific Northwest - and Alaska

Dimensions: 3.38 in2 in

Category: Ivory, Antler & Bone Figures and Carvings

Shipping

Domestic (U.S.)

Most items ship free with secure, fast delivery across the United States. We primarily ship via USPS and UPS, with Signature Required on all deliveries.

Please note: Items weighing over 5 lbs or exceeding 14" × 14" × 14" are subject to actual postage charges. Contact us for a shipping estimate.

International

International are welcome! Actual postage costs will be calculated and added purchase. Please contact us beforehand if you'd like an estimate.